Max Verstappen upbeat after logging his first miles in the RB13

Max Verstappen was upbeat after turning the third-fastest time on Tuesday. (Photo: Glenn Dunbar/LAT Images)

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Max Verstappen had his first run in the new Red Bull RB13 at Barcelona on Tuesday, and the team had a much more reliable time as the Dutchman completed 89 laps.

On Monday, Daniel Ricciardo was hampered by two issues that kept the car in the garage for much of the day, but Verstappen had better luck. He finished the day with the third fastest time.

“We have done a lot of mileage,” he said. “That was our goal, to test all the parts. We did that today and that’s the most important. We had a very positive day, not too many issues and we did quite a lot of laps.

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“The reliability today was pretty good. We didn’t have any issues. I think it is important to get the mileage first because it is a new engine again but it’s too early to say where we are with the engine. But for sure they made a step and that’s always positive.”

Verstappen is impressed by the new breed of cars.

“The speed difference compared to the cars of last year is a good step, it’s more enjoyable through the fast corners. You have a lot more traction. That was very difficult last year, to find a good compromise to have good exit from the corners, but with these wider tires and cars it’s a lot better.”

Regarding the physical side, he said: “Of course it’s more demanding but that’s where we trained for in the winter. We have to be up for it.”